Movimento Cidade: a festival that places ES as the protagonist

In a scenario where cultural narratives focus on telling about large urban centers, it is essential to recognize and value the protagonism of states like Espírito Santo, which often do not receive the recognition they deserve. Our State, located between the great Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Minas Gerais, despite its natural beauty and unique cultural riches, is invisible, is still not part of the tourism destination of most Brazilians and is not part of the route of large festivals.

And with this provocation comes the Movimento Cidade Festival, which arrives to deepen and exalt the roots of Espírito Santo and, beyond the traditional Southeast, its transformations and development, giving strength to our cultural richness and protagonism. And now also placing Espírito Santo among the main destination routes for cultural festivals. In 2024, in its sixth edition, the festival invites the public to embark on this journey across the Southeast planet.

Being a great cultural window and giving protagonism to Espírito Santo, this is the great mission of Movimento Cidade, which positions itself as a defender of Espírito Santo who wants to generate opportunities, break down barriers and expand horizons. The State, often underestimated, reveals itself as an important hub of cultural production, influenced by an ethnic and historical diversity that enriches its identity.

Indigenous people, Africans, Europeans and Asians left their marks on Espírito Santo culture, shaping a plural and diverse society. Furthermore, Movimento Cidade stands out for its operations in various locations across the country, placing the theme of cities in focus, in addition to bringing issues such as diversity, accessibility and sustainability to the center.

With a consolidated brand that promotes the participation of civil society in the construction of more humane and sustainable cities. By promoting dialogue between different social, governmental and business actors, the festival contributes to thought, action and development in an integrated and democratic way, seeking to inspire other regions of Brazil to follow the same path.

However, challenges persist. The social dynamics of cultural investments in Brazil reflect inequalities and the concentration of resources. Investing in the cultural production and economic and social development of states like Espírito Santo is essential to promote a more balanced distribution of opportunities and resources, preserving cultural diversity and strengthening local and regional identities.

It’s time to question the labels that define and limit us. Espírito Santo, in addition to the Southeast, represents a vibrant and pulsating facet of Brazil, which deserves to be recognized and valued. The City Movement is just the beginning of a journey towards a more just, inclusive and democratic country, where each state, each region, can contribute to the construction of a fairer future, the great purpose of the MC.

With the motto “Cities are people”, MC identifies itself as a project for the cause of culture in the city, valuing collective creation through the creation of networks, programs, actions and cultural products. Thus, bringing about change, the Movement promotes various cultural activities in the State.

The brand, which is from Espírito Santo, has several projects in Espírito Santo in addition to the Movimento Cidade Festival, such as MC.Mulheres, MC.Favela, MC.Metaverso, MC.Arte and the most recent Festival PcD – Pinta, Canta e Dança. All of these initiatives aim to bring more and more protagonism to people. Now, it’s not just people from Espírito Santo who travel to festivals outside the state, but people from Rio, Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Bahia, who come to the state to participate in the festival.

Furthermore, the MC seeks to impact the community around them in their actions. Promoting 100% free activities such as audiovisual exhibitions, shows, artistic interventions and various other activities in search of engaging causes, promoting new movements and interaction with the city and public spaces, using creativity and connection between people.

The brand has also spread throughout Brazil since 2022, carrying out activities in more than 15 cities and reaching 10 states and the Federal District. In 2023 alone, through its actions and projects, more than 40 thousand people were impacted by the brand. The actions took place in the five Brazilian territories, with three festivals, at least 20 workshops and more than a thousand registrations from across the country.

In short, by highlighting the protagonism of the State and decentralized regions, the Movimento Cidade Festival is celebrating cultural diversity and defending a vision of Brazil where all voices are heard and all places are recognized as protagonists of their own history. And best of all, it now promotes a festival in which the people of Espírito Santo recognize each other and can call it their own.

Did you see any errors?

Talk to the Editor